• Rosa Mexicano's presence is "a taxpayer-subsidized insult to L.A.," says Jonathan Gold. But a few chelas later, he finds the NYC-import "turns out to be fairly likable," though the guac still doesn't impress like the huitlacoche quesadillas do. [L.A. Weekly]

• " Everyone wanted to spend their time at the new Old Venice," describes Merrill Shindler on the busy crowd waiting to see the rebirth of Old Venice, which burned down almost three years ago. [Daily Breeze]

• While Pasadena wine bars "come and go," Noir "is notable not only for the quality of the wines on offer but also because Claud Beltran...is cooking," opines S. Irene Virbila on the chef's new small plates and vino restaurant. [L.A.T.]